June 2026 Newsletter
- Doug Steere
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
We will meet at National Avenue Christian Church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, for our monthly meeting. Our speaker will be photographer and author Sony Hocklander. Here is Sony's bio and artist statement:
"Whether hiking, traveling or exploring, I’m rarely without my camera. I am especially drawn to making images that feature streams, waterfalls, and lakes while hiking around the Ozarks. I’m always inspired to make images that capture the magic of our natural environment – the whisper of a breeze, the song of a stream, the strength of ancient stones, and the feeling of quiet kinship.
Throughout my long career as a journalist, photographer, and video storyteller, I have enjoyed creating meaningful work for people to enjoy.
My husband and I, with two sons, moved from a suburb of Kansas City to Springfield in 1999. For nearly 16 years, I worked as a features writer and eventually an editor for the Springfield News-Leader. In 2025, I left the paper to start my own creative content business, Sony Hocklander Creative LLC, which now includes Wanderscapes: Outdoor Writing and Fine Art Photography. Over the last decade, I produced storytelling videos for nonprofits, and wrote freelance stories about business, the arts and the outdoors for several local publications and for nonprofit newsletters and websites.
Today, I focus on writing about outdoor adventures and traveling to beautiful places while capturing them through my lens. Find most of my outdoor and travel guides in 417 Magazine (417mag.com) and the Springfield Daily Citizen (sgfcitizen.org). In addition, my images can be viewed at various community exhibits and through selective weekend art fairs. My next local show is the Pickwick Street Fair, June 6, followed by the Downtown Overland Park, Kansas, Art Market on June 12-13.
Find me online here:
wanderscapesphotography.com / FB: Sony Hocklander Creative / Instagram: @sonyhocklander_photoart "
Art Pick-up at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Remember to pick up any art you have hanging at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, June 4. This includes any art in the "Route 66" exhibit on the 5th floor, any art on the 4th floor, and any art in the Fuldner Lounge.
To avoid ticketing, park in either lot 44 or in the spaces behind JKH. Do not park in the parking garage. This map shows the location of lot 44.
Logo Contest
The Southwest Missouri Visual Arts Collective is looking for a logo created by a local artist — and we’d love to see your ideas.
Using our mission statement as inspiration, artists are invited to submit an original logo design for the Southwest Missouri Visual Arts Collective. The winning design will become the official logo of the organization and help represent our growing creative community for years to come.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Southwest Missouri Visual Arts Collective is to inspire, support, and connect artists and communities through the advancement of the visual arts. We are dedicated to fostering creativity, artistic growth, cultural enrichment, and meaningful collaboration by providing opportunities for education, exhibition, networking, mentorship, volunteering, and community engagement.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the visual identity of SWMOVAC while having your artwork recognized and featured on the organization’s website. Final logo selections will be voted on by members during the August 2026 member meeting.
There is no entry fee, and artists of all experience levels are encouraged to participate.
The selected artist will receive recognition on the SWMOVAC website for the duration of the logo’s use, along with a special artist gift.
The deadline for digital submissions is July 15, 2026. (Physical Submissions Jul 8, 2026)
For official guidelines and the entry form, click the link below:
Exhibition Opportunities
Nearly Famous Deli (changes out every 2 months, with each exhibition now featuring 3 artists). You can ask to be placed on a list of artists should there be openings this year. Contact Doug Steere at studio55guild@gmail.com for more information.
Current and upcoming Nearly Famous Deli schedule:
April 4-June 6 (Dean Ertel, LaDonna Greiner, Anthony Verburgt)
June 6-August 1 (Tracy Bruton, Jenny Green, Bonnie Schooler)
August 1-October 3 (Ruth Penaherrera-Norton, Mindy Tillery, Sharon Yoker)
October 3-December 5 (Ann Kynion, Allison Powers, Agnes Teagan)
December 5-February 6 (Donna Lynn Clark, Andi Snethern, Carol Snyder)
Nature Center
Art pick-up is from 8-5 on June 2 and 3 for the current exhibit. Contact Ann Kynion for more information at akynion@yahoo.com.
Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe. There will be a children’s show there until July 7, and then another roster of 14 group members will hang their art. That July 7 roster and the remaining rosters throughout the year may have some vacancies, and if you are interested contact Ann Kynion at akynion@yahoo.com.
July-September, Botanical Center
Up to 30 artists can participate. Contact Ann Kynion at akynion@yahoo.com for more information.
Bambinos
There are two locations with opportunities — Bambinos on Delmar and Bambinos on Battlefield. Prior to each exhibit there will be a sign-up sheet at the monthly meetings for artists interested in showing at these locations, and you may show at both. You must sign up to be eligible to participate. The remaining install schedule for 2026 is as follows:
A "Spring"/Neutral exhibit is currently on display at both locations.
June 6th - Delmar June 20th - Battlefield
Exhibit Theme is "Summer" / Neutral
Sign up at the May meeting to participate.
September 5th - Delmar September 12th - Battlefield
Exhibit Theme is "Autumn" / Neutral
December 5th - Delmar December 12th - Battlefield
Exhibit Theme is "Celebrating Love"
Artists receive 100% of the profit from their sales here. People who sign up for an upcoming exhibit will be contacted by Donna Lynn Clark and receive specific details for that event. Drop off dates are the beginning of the exhibit date and pick up dates are the date of the next exhibit, at 8:30 a.m.
MudLounge
The MudLounge is a venue that prefers larger dimension paintings — 2.5-4 feet, but we will welcome submissions of smaller size art also. There is space for 12-15 large paintings that will be on display for 4 months. Paid members of Studio 55 and/or VAAS may submit information about paintings to display. An exhibit is currently there, from June 29 through October. For more information about the next exhibit, contact Gary Tebbenkamp at garyt1949@gmail.com.
ERCPA Art Gallery (Elliott, Robinson & Company, LLP)
“BIG & small,” May-August 2026.
National Avenue Christian Church
Generally, two exhibits a year. The theme for the one that will be displayed June 20-August 1 is "Peace, Love, and Understanding." Art does not need to be religious in nature, but merely reflect what brings you peace or shows love and understanding. Currently, we have 10 artists signed up. Each artist can submit 1-2 pieces. Contact Doug Steere at studio55guild@gmail.com to express interest or see him at the June meeting.
The Creamery Arts Center
Make plans for your First Friday Artwalk to stop by the Creamery Arts Center between 5-7 p.m. on June 5 and see the displays of summer-themed art and enjoy the Annual Block Party hosted by the Springfield Regional Arts Council. You'll be sure to see art by some of our members (Barbara Vicente says she has a piece in the exhibit, among others) and enjoy refreshments. More information is here on Facebook.
Watercolor USA
Watercolor USA is now on display at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin through July 25. It is an annual exhibition of American watercolor. The show originated in Springfield, Missouri in 1962 and is being held in Joplin until the construction on the Springfield Art Museum is completed. More information is available here.
Lucid TLC Arts Studio & Gallery
Carol Snyder had a painting accepted in the 12x12 and Under exhibit at Lucid TLC Arts Studio & Gallery in Nixa. The painting is titled "Circling Around." The opening reception is on Saturday, June 6 from 5-8 p.m.
Gailey's Breakfast Cafe
Another First Friday Artwalk event is happening from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Stop by Gailey's Breakfast Cafe for the reception for the youth exhibit sponsored by our group and Gailey's.
Urban Sketchers of Springfield
Ann Kynion shares that Urban Sketchers of Springfield will be exhibiting at Park Central Library from August 1-31 with a Route 66 themed show. Urban Sketchers from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, St. Louis, Chicago and possibly other locations will also be participating. Ann is inviting artists to contribute Route 66 themed sketches and framed artwork for the exhibit. Sketches (four color copies to share with other exhibits) need to be submitted by June 15. Framed artwork needs to be submitted by July 24. Contact Ann Kynion (akynion@yahoo.com) for more information.
Pickwick Street Fair
You'll see several local artists, including some of our group members like Meike Aton and others, at the Pickwick Street Fair on Saturday, June 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available on their website here and on Facebook here.
Our May Meeting
Thank you to Ken Richardson for your amusing and informational presentation at our meeting in May. And thank you to Donna Lynn Clark for your helpful hints on how to wire art for exhibitions.
